The Australian government has released a new guide for employers, warning that the rise of artificial intelligence will likely transform entry-level roles first. Workplace relations minister Amanda Rishworth stated that automation could result in improved conditions for ordinary workers, such as higher wages and fewer working hours. However, she cautioned that it could also lead to negative outcomes, including greater burnout and increased workplace surveillance.
The guide was launched on Thursday as major corporations restructure their operations. Companies such as Qantas and Canva have recently reduced their workforces, citing changes driven by AI integration. In response, Rishworth emphasized that employers must provide staff with a clear plan regarding how automation will affect their specific roles and offer opportunities to transition into new positions.
The document highlights that certain groups, including younger and older employees, First Nations workers, women, and people with disabilities, may face disproportionate impacts from these technological shifts. While the guide presents an optimistic view of AI's potential to boost productivity and service quality, it also acknowledges specific hazards. These include intrusive monitoring, poor rostering practices, and the setting of unrealistic performance standards.
Rishworth noted that automating basic tasks may leave humans with more complex and intense responsibilities. She warned that some companies might use AI to enhance performance management through greater monitoring capabilities. Speaking at a business forum in Sydney, she advised that firms should not simply add AI tools without proper consultation, as this can inadvertently increase workloads by adding steps to existing processes.
The minister stressed that worker willingness to adopt new technology depends on clear communication and support. She asked whether employees would receive help building new skills and whether their existing expertise would be valued. Without satisfactory answers, she argued, workers would lose trust and become reluctant to engage with new systems.
Political reactions to the guide have been mixed. Labor MP Ed Husic, a former industry minister, questioned who would ultimately benefit from the increased productivity brought by AI. He asked whether the gains would translate into better services and lower prices for customers, or secure jobs with higher wages for workers, rather than just lower labor costs and higher corporate returns.
Greens leader David Shoebridge criticized the government for taking a passive approach. He argued that the current situation, where large companies are cutting staff, requires legal protections rather than optional guidelines. Shoebridge pointed to recent layoffs at Qantas, Canva, National Australia Bank, and ANZ, all of which were partly linked to AI rollouts and offshoring.
Shoebridge stated that a worker who loses their job to an algorithm currently has no legal recourse. He advocated for legislation that mandates the sharing of AI benefits through better pay and shorter hours, rather than relying on the goodwill of employers.
The Reserve Bank reported this week that there is little evidence yet of AI significantly disrupting the broader labor market. However, the central bank noted that future impacts remain highly uncertain. It identified tentative signs of effects on specific roles, including clerks, computer programmers, and call center workers.
Recent corporate announcements reflect the scale of these changes. Qantas announced 850 job cuts in finance, human resources, and marketing. National Australian Bank reported 2,500 job losses, while Canva announced 1,200 layoffs. The government's guide suggests that while AI adoption should be a collaborative process, employers must actively consult with workers about the implications for their employment.
